Google Wallet Update for Android Removes NFC Requirement

Google is pushing out a new version of its Google Wallet app for Android that will allow users to send money from their bank accounts to anyone in the United States.

The update, which will come this week for Android phones running version 2.3 “Gingerbread” and higher, is moving beyond NFC (near-field communications) technology, so more people will be able to access the platform. Previously, only those users with one of the 29 NFC-enabled mobile devices on the market were able to take advantage of Google’s mobile payment system. The update also lets users access it from any mobile carrier